Long, hump-shaped, Greek, Roman, potato-shaped, aquiline - if any of these definitions apply to your nose, you've probably thought about rhinoplasty. But why hasn't it been done yet? Do you have concerns, or do you have questions that you can’t find answers to? We have prepared an article with answers to the most common of them. We will tell you how rhinoplasty is done, how to choose the appropriate shape of the nose, and most importantly, using photographs before and after the operation, we will show how rhinoplasty changes your appearance.
How do you know if you have indications for rhinoplasty?
According to the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, indications for rhinoplasty include any visual defect that is embarrassing to a person, and a functional impairment such as difficulty breathing.
The visual defects that patients most often want to correct include:
- disproportion of the nose in relation to other facial features;
- asymmetry;
- presence of a hump;
- large or asymmetrical nostrils;
- large, excessively tucked or drooping tip;
- the back is too thick, thin or uneven;
- excessive or insufficient length.
Among the defects that cause functional impairment:
- congenital or acquired deformation of the nasal septum;
- fractures.
What are the types of rhinoplasty?
Based on the problem that the procedure solves, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons distinguishes the following types of rhinoplasty: aesthetic and functional. Let's figure out how they differ.
Aesthetic rhinoplasty
This is a procedure to correct the shape and size of the nose. According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, this type of rhinoplasty can correct:
- hump - remove bone and cartilage tissue in a certain area of the back of the nose;
- nostrils - change their shape and size, make them symmetrical;
- columella (bridge between the nostrils) - straighten or make it thinner;
- tip - raise, lower or reduce;
- wings - make them symmetrical or less expressive.
During the procedure, the doctor can change the shape of the nose not only by removing tissue, but also, conversely, by increasing its volume. To do this, he uses an artificial implant or cartilage, which is obtained from another part of the patient's body. Plastic surgeons call this operationaugmentation rhinoplastyorgrafting.
Functional rhinoplasty (septoplasty)
According to Stanford University Medical Center, the goal of septoplasty is to restore breathing function that has been impaired due to a congenital abnormality, injury, or some other change in the body.
If a patient who is indicated for surgery to restore breathing decides to further correct the shape of the nose, doctors of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons recommend a combined interventionrhinoseptoplasty.
There are also 2 subtypes of functional and aesthetic rhinoplasty:
- Reconstructive rhinoplasty- this is how the American Society of Plastic Surgeons calls intervention to correct the shape of the nose due to congenital defects (for example, rhinoplasty for cleft palate and cleft lip) or to recreate a shape that has changed due to injury.
- Revision rhinoplasty- This is a repeated correction of the nose. Plastic surgeons recommend it if the patient is dissatisfied with the results of the previous intervention.
How is rhinoplasty done?
The Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery distinguishes 2 methods of rhinoplasty - open and closed. Their main difference is the access through which the doctor performs the operation.
How is closed rhinoplasty done?
Plastic surgeons call closed rhinoplasty the least traumatic method of surgical nose correction. The procedure does not leave scars, since the doctor performs all actions through the nostrils, without incisions on the outside of the nose. Doctors resort to this technique for minor curvatures or defects.
How is open rhinoplasty done?
In open rhinoplasty, the rhinosurgeon makes an incision in the columella and outer corners of the nose. After that, he lifts the skin and performs correction. Open rhinoplasty can correct serious defects and deformities. In this case, a small mark remains at the base of the nose, which becomes less noticeable over time. It can be removed using special cosmetics and procedures.
How to determine which nose suits me?
Before deciding to have surgery, it is important to understand whether a face with the desired nose shape will become more beautiful. After all, there are cases when, after rhinoplasty, people lose their individuality and become less interesting and attractive.
According to the study, a 3D modeling machine allows you to choose a nose that will be in maximum harmony with other features. This setup takes a 3D photo of your face. The doctor and the patient process it in a special program and adjust the nose until the optimal shape and size are selected.
Is any preparation needed for such a procedure?
According to the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, rhinoplasty requires some preparation. It includes:
- Consultation with a plastic surgeon. During it, a person tells what exactly he wants to change. The doctor examines the nose, explains how realistic it is to achieve the desired result, and creates a model on which to operate. During the consultation, it is important to ask the doctor all your questions, ask about pre- and postoperative restrictions, and learn about the risks and possible complications.
- Preoperative examination, which helps to ensure that there are no contraindications. It includes laboratory tests of blood and urine, electrocardiography (ECG), fluorography.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends not smoking or taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or herbal supplements during the preparation period because they can impair blood clotting.
How is rhinoplasty performed?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the patient is under general anesthesia or local anesthesia during surgery. The doctor determines the type of anesthesia at the preoperative consultation, focusing on the complexity of the procedure.
Depending on the type of access, the surgeon makes incisions inside or outside the nose and performs tissue correction, focusing on the 3D model.
At the end of the procedure, the doctor applies stitches, fixes the nose with special tampons or splints/septal splints (silicone plates that follow the shape of the nose) and a plaster cast.
In general, the procedure lasts from 1 to 2 hours (according to the Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery).
How does recovery proceed and when are results visible?
It is the recovery after rhinoplasty that raises the most questions. Patients want to know how quickly the signs of the intervention disappear, when they can return to their normal lifestyle, and most importantly, when the results are visible.
Rehabilitation
Depending on the general condition, the patient stays in the clinic for 1 night or goes home the same day. This time is enough to recover from anesthesia and gain strength. Subsequent recovery takes place at home. Nosebleeds may occur during this period, so it is important to stay in touch with your doctor to let him know about your condition.
It is important to understand that after rhinoplasty, swelling on the face lasts for 2-3 weeks, and the final result cannot be assessed (according to plastic surgeons). If, after this time, the patient notices that the new nose does not at all correspond to the 3D model, it is necessary to inform the doctor about this. In this case, he will perform revision rhinoplasty.
Possible side effects
Plastic surgeons warn about the following possible complications:
- labored breathing;
- numbness in the operated area;
- asymmetry;
- pain;
- pigmentation;
- scarring;
- formation of a hole in the septum (perforation).
Restrictions
During recovery, plastic surgeons recommend:
- avoid strenuous physical activity and running;
- do not take a bath;
- don't blow your nose;
- eat foods high in fiber (eg, fruits, vegetables) to avoid difficulty bowel movements and, as a result, high blood pressure;
- smile and laugh less;
- brush your teeth carefully so that your upper lip does not actively move;
- choose clothes that do not need to be pulled over your head to reduce the risk of accidental injury;
- do not wear glasses;
- use sunscreen.
Result
If we talk about the final result of rhinoplasty, it is visible after 6 months (according to information from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons). During this time, the swelling completely subsides and the tissues grow together.
Is one operation enough to achieve results?
It is enough if, before the intervention, the patient clearly understands what result he wants to get, discusses all the nuances with the doctor, they together form a 3D model of the future nose, and the surgeon recreates it exactly.
If, after removing the plaster or after complete recovery, the patient realizes that he would like to correct something, the doctor performs another operation.
It is important to understand that rhinoplasty is a surgical intervention, which means it is stressful for the body. Therefore, before agreeing to surgery, make sure that you clearly understand what result you want to get and convey this to the surgeon.
How is non-surgical rhinoplasty done?
People who want to correct their nose, but for some reason are not ready to solve this issue surgically, can pay attention to other methods of rhinoplasty - non-surgical. They provide a temporary effect and help you decide whether surgery is worth it. The procedures are performed under local anesthesia and do not require rehabilitation - redness and swelling disappear within a few hours. There are the following types of non-surgical rhinoplasty:
Correction with fillers (contour rhinoplasty)
According to the data, the procedure consists of injecting the drug into the area that needs to be changed (for example, in the back of the nose to smooth out a hump, or at the tip of the nose to enlarge it). Doctors most often use hyaluronic acid as a filler, less often collagen. They are natural substances that are found in the body of each of us. Thanks to this, the risk of complications is minimal. The results of such injections last up to 14 months. After this period, the fillers dissolve. Possible side effects include encapsulation (tissue compaction around the drug). This process is a natural reaction of the body to a foreign substance.
Be careful!
If you decide to undergo contour rhinoplasty, be sure to check with your doctor which drug he uses. Some doctors suggest introducing a biopolymer (biogel) - a synthetic substance that, unlike hyaluronic acid and collagen, is not excreted from the body. Such procedures are considered dangerous and are prohibited in some countries. The biopolymer can cause inflammation and migrate. This means that over time, filler injected into the nose may end up in the chin, cheek or eye area. Biogel can only be removed through surgery, after which scars remain on the face.
Nasal lipofilling
According to information from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, with lipofilling, correction occurs by injecting a person’s own fat under the skin (this material is also called autologous filler). The procedure provides an effect similar to the injection of hyaluronic acid and collagen: unevenness is filled, and the volume of tissue in a specific area increases. The effect of lipofilling lasts about 3 years. To maintain it, you cannot lose weight.
Botox (botulinum toxin) injections
According to data, botulinum toxin reduces tissue volume by relaxing muscles. The technique allows you to raise or lower the tip, make the nose symmetrical and correct the shape of the nostrils. Possible side effects include difficulty breathing and changes in the height of the upper lip when smiling. The effect lasts up to 2 years.
Mesothreads
This type of nose correction is called thread lifting or mesothread lifting. According to research, it allows you to change the shape of the wings and raise the tip. The essence of the procedure is the subcutaneous introduction of special threads. Over time, they dissolve, forming a collagen framework that fixes the tissue and maintains the new shape of the nose. The effect lasts up to 2 years.
And the most important thing. . .
Before agreeing to any of the procedures mentioned, ensure the competence of the plastic surgeon.
When it comes to surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgery recommends that the doctor's experience with the particular procedure be considered first. Pay attention to his profile - it is necessary that he specializes in facial correction operations. It is important that the doctor has international certificates and accreditations that confirm his qualifications. It is advisable that the doctor undergoes an internship abroad (for example, in the USA and European countries) to improve his skills.
Do you want to undergo non-surgical rhinoplasty? Choose a cosmetologist with a higher medical education who sees patients not at home, but in a specialized clinic. In such centers, sterility and all conditions for the safe performance of medical procedures are observed.
Take care of your health and beauty, trust them only to professionals!